Filmmaker Aanand L Rai is reveling in the success of his film ‘Tumbbad,’ which recently made a return to theaters. Speaking with ANI, Rai expressed his delight at the film’s reception, noting that it reaffirmed his belief in the power of compelling storytelling.
Released initially in 2018, ‘Tumbbad’ garnered critical acclaim but didn’t attract as many theatergoers as hoped. Despite this, Rai was always confident in the film’s creative integrity and passionate execution. “When ‘Tumbbad’ first came out, I felt proud to be part of such a unique story. The creative essence was strong, and I was convinced people would appreciate it,” Rai shared. However, he admitted that it was disappointing that the film didn’t reach a larger audience in theaters at the time.
The film’s journey didn’t end there, though. After finding a second life on streaming platforms, fans who missed its original theatrical run expressed their regret.
This feedback, combined with a lull in new film releases from Aanand L Rai, inspired the decision to re-release ‘Tumbbad’ in cinemas. Rai described the renewed response as “overwhelming and lovely,” appreciating the chance for a new audience to experience the film on the big screen.
‘Tumbbad,’ which delves into themes of greed and myth through the story of Vinayak Rao, played by Sohum Shah, explores a dark and atmospheric narrative. Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and creatively guided by Anand Gandhi, the film has been praised for its cinematography, art direction, and sound design, winning three out of eight Filmfare nominations.
As Rai celebrates ‘Tumbbad’s’ renewed success, he is also gearing up for his next project. Known for his previous hits like ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ and ‘Raanjhanaa,’ Rai is collaborating with actor Dhanush for a new film titled ‘Tere Ishk Mein.’ The film, set to start shooting in January, will be a joint venture with writer and producer Himanshu Sharma. Rai announced the film on Instagram, marking the 10th anniversary of ‘Raanjhanaa’ with an intriguing teaser featuring Dhanush in a high-stakes, action-filled scene.
Dhanush, who also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, is seen in the promo with a Molotov cocktail, hinting at the film’s intense and dramatic nature. Rai and Dhanush’s collaboration is eagerly anticipated, with Dhanush adding excitement on social media, referring to the film as his “next Hindi film.”